Reproduction camera with variable image scale

ABSTRACT

A fixed-focus camera with spherically effective front and rear lens groups has two pairs of prisms inserted between these lens groups, each pair of prisms being adjustable by means of a respective setting ring for varying the image scale either anamorphotically or orthomorphotically. For orthomorphotic variation, the settings rings may be coupled for joint displacement while the optically effective planes of the prism pairs are mutually perpendicular; for maximum anamorphotic variation, one pair of prisms may be rotated through 90* about the optical axis.

ilnite States Patent [191 Kirchhofif REPRODUCTION CAMERA WITH VARIABLE IMAGE SCALE [75] Inventor: Kurt Kirchhoff, Hamburg-Lump,

Germany [73] Assignee: Jos. Schneider & C0. Optische Werke, Bad Kreuznach, Germany [22] Filed: Oct. 18, 1971 [2]] Appl. No.: 190,224

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 17, 1970 Germany P 20 51 122.2

[52] US. Cl. 355/52,'95/4.5 J, 355/66 [51] Int. Cl. G03b 27/68 [58] Field of Search 355/52, 18, 63, 65,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,932,082 10/1933 Newcomer.. ..355/52 [451 July 3,1973

Hemstreet 355/52 Kirchhoff 355/52 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant E.raminer-Richard A. Wintercorn Attorney-Karl F. Ross 57' ABSTRACT A fixed-focus camera with spherically effective front and rear lens groups has two pairs of prisms inserted between these lens groups, each pair of prisms being adjustable by means of a respective setting ring for varying the image scale either anamorphotically or orthom orphotically. For orthomorphotic variation, the settings rings may be coupled for joint displacement while the optically effectiveplanes of the prism pairs are mutually perpendicular; for maximum anamorphotic variation, one pair of prisms may be rotated through 90 about the optical axis.

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Attorney REPRODUCTION CAMERA WITH VARIABLE IMAGE SCALE My present invention relates to a reproduction camera of the fixed-focus type as used, for example, in photocomposition.

The composing of newspapers, magazines or the like by photographic means often requires a change in image scale, either orthomorphotic (i.e., without distortion) or anamorphotic, to fit different sheet sizes. Thus, for example, standing type such as advertisements may be reproduced alternately on a larger or a smaller printing matrix whose linear dimensions may differ by as much as 7 percent.

The general object of my invention is to provide means in such a camera for selectively altering the image scale, preferably within limits of at least :7 percent, of an objective consisting essentially of fixed lenses, with maintenance of sharp focusing and high optical quality throughout the range of adjustment.

A more particular object is to provide means in such a camera for optionally switching between anamorphotic and orthomorphotic adjustability.

These objects are realized, in accordance with the present invention, by the interposition of two pairs of ject surface and a fixed image surface in a framework on which these lenses and prisms are mounted within an objective housing. The two prism pairs, disposed in an air space which may also accommodate a diaphragm, are movable under the control of respective setting means for varying the angular position of the prisms of each pair relative to the optical axis of the system. Such pairs of conjugate prisms, designed to vary the magnification ratio of an associated spherically effective objective system, are known per se from my prior US. Pat. No. 3,551,029.

In a fixed-focus objective the utilization of such prisms enables the elimination of the heretofore necessary refocusing mechanism which encumbered conventional cameras of this type.

In a simple case, the object and image planes are perpendicular to the optical axis and directly confront the respective lens groups, with illumination of the object surface by a light source mounted on the frame. It may, however, be convenient to insert a reflector in either or both light paths on the object and image sides, with orientation of the corresponding surface parallel rather than perpendicular to the axis.

With the optically effective planes of the two prism pairs mutually perpendicular, adjustment of either pair changes the magnification ratio in a respective dimension to provide an anamorphotic effect; the two setting means, preferably a pair of rotatable rings on the objective housing, may be coupled-for joint rotation to vary the' image scale in a nondistorting or orthomorphotic manner.

According to another feature of my invention, the two prism pairs may be relatively rotated through 90 about the optical axis, thus into a position in which their optically effective planes coincide; if the two adjoining prisms of the two pairs (which may be separated by the diaphragm) converge codirectionally, i.e., if

their major bases lie on the same side of the optical axis, their anamorphotic effects will complement each other so that the magnification ratio in that plane may be extended, e.g. from :7 to :tl4 percent.

Advantageously, pursuant to a further feature of my invention, the two lens groups of the objective are identically symmetrical and define a region of telecentric (i.e., parallel) light rays therebetween. This ensures the maintenance of sharp focusing for all prism positions. Each prism pair may be individually corrected for chromatic aberrations by being composed of six wedges (three per prism) alternately converging in opposite directions, as known per se from my above-identified prior patent, with the outer wedges of each prism having a lower refractive index and a higher dispersion ratio or Abbe number than the inner wedge bracketed thereby.

These and other features of my invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reproduction camera embodying my invention;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal elevation of a modified camera according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing another modification;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view, in axial section, of the lenses and prisms constituting the objective of the camera shown in FIG. 1; 7

FIG. 4a is a view of the optical system of FIG. 4 in axial section taken on the line IVA IVA thereof;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating the system in a different position after relative rotation of its prism pairs through FIG. 5a is a view similar to FIG. 4a taken on the line VA VA of FIG. 5; and

. FIG. 6 :is an elevational view of the camera objective shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1 I have illustrated a fixed-focus reproduction camera having a framework 1 which supports, with the aid of a transverse partition 10, an objective 2 vertically suspended from that partition, the objective being trained upon an object surface 3 and an image surface 4 on opposite sides of partition la. The lower compartment defined by the object surface 3 and the opaque partition la contains a light source 5 illuminating a set of type or some other original, symbolized by the letter A, which is to be projected onto a photosensitive film in the upper compartment registering with image surface 4. Mounting frames for the original and the film have been indicated at 6 and 6, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the objective 2 (here shown diagrammatically without its support) is flanked by two reflecting mirrors 7 and 7' directing the light rays from an original or master 26, illuminated by lamps 5, onto a film 25, the master 26 on object surface 3 and the film 25 on image surface 4 being mutually coplanar and parallel to the objective axis 0. According to FIG. 3, the object plane 3.has the same position as in FIG. 1 (perpendicular to axis 0) whereas the image surface 4 is parallel to the axis, with interposition of a reflector 7' in the path of the outgoing light rays.

FIGS. 4, 4a, 5 and 5a show details of the optical elements of the objective 2. A collective front lens group I consists of a meniscus-shaped doublet L,, L,, a biconcave singlet L and a nearly planoconvex singlet L an identical but reversed lens group II has a positive singlet L,,, a negative singlet L, and a final doublet L L interposed between these lens groups are two prism pairs III and IV generally similar to those described in my prior US. Pat. No. 3,551,029. The first prism of pair III consists of three wedges P P and P,, the second prism of that pair being composed of wedges P P P The first prism of pair IV consists of wedges P P and P its second prism being composed of wedges P P, and P The optically effective planes of the wedges P P coincide, in the first position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4a, with the plane of the paper in FIG. 4; the effective plane of wedges 1 P coincides in that position with the plane of the paper in FIG. 4a.

In the second position, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5a, the two prism pairs have been relatively rotated through 90 so that the optically effective plane of wedges P P coincides with that of wedges P, P i.e., with the plane of the paper in FIG. 5.

The two prism pairs are located in an air space dl5 accommodating a diaphragm schematically indicated at D. It will be noted that in the coplanar position of the prisms, shown in FIGS. 5 and 5a, the two neighboring prisms P P and P P converge codirectionally so as to introduce a cumulative deflection of the light rays traversing same. It will be understood that the relative motions of the prisms of each pair are so correlated that, in any selected position of adjustment, a light ray incident upon the first prism leaves the second prism in a direction parallel to its original direction.

The radii of curvature of lenses L, L, of group I and L L of group II have been designated R1 R7 and R24 R30, respectively; the external and internal prism surfaces of components III and IV have been labeled F8 F23. The thicknesses and separations of all these optical elements have been indicated at d1 4129.

FIG. 6 shows details of the objective 2 which comprises an upper housing portion 8 and a lower housing portion 8', housing portion 8 being secured to partition 1a by an internally threaded mounting ring 9. Lower portion 8 surrounds the front lens group I and the adjacent prism pair III; upper portion 8 accommodates the prism pair IV and the rear lens group II. A setting ring for the prisms of pair III is rotatably disposed'on housing portion 8', a similar setting ring 11 for prism pair IV being carried on housing portion 8. These setting rings may be provided with internal camming grooves engaged by rods or the like which are linked to the associated prisms to tilt them in the aforedescribed manner, with a resulting change in magnification ratio in the respective axial plane as read on a pair of scales 12, 13. Scale 12, co-operating with a mark 16 on housing portion 8', indicates (for the orthogonal prism position shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a) the magnification ratio corresponding to a selected position of the setting ring 10 rigid with that scale as determined by the inclination of prisms P 1 and P P scale 13, rigid with setting ring 11,. gives the same indication with reference to their conjugate plane as determined by the inclination of prisms P P and P P A central housing portion 8",. integral with lower portion 8, carries an arm 19 into which a screw 20 is threaded. In the position illustrated in FIG. 6, this screw engages in a bore 21 of upper housing portion 8 to maintain the orthogonal prism position of FIGS. 4 and 4a. Upon a retraction of screw 20, housing portions 8' and 8" may be rotated through 90 with reference to housing portion 8 to establish the coplanar prism position of FIGS. 5 and 5a, maintained by introduction of screw 20 into another bore 21'. The central housing portion 8 has a slit 24 giving clearance to an arm 23 for the adjustment of diaphragm D (FIGS. 4 and 5) which is mounted in that part of the housing. In the al ternate position just described, the anamorphotic ratio in the common optically effective plane of the two prism pairs is read on a scale 14, rigid with ring 10, against a mark 16' on housing portion 8'; this reading applies to a joint motion of rings 10 and 11, brought about by a mechanical coupling of the two setting rings with the aid of a screw 18 which is carried on an arm 17 rigid with ring 11 and fits into a bore 22 of ring 10. In the orthogonal position actually shown in FIG. 6, screw 18 may engage in another bore 22' of ring 10 if it is desired to adjust both prism pairs concurrently for orthomorphotic image variation.

Advantageously, the four prisms in components 111 and IV are all identical and individually symmetrical. Listed below are preferred values for the refractive indices n, Abbe numbers v and vertex angles a of the outer wedges (e.g., P and P of each prism, made of crown glass, and for the refractive index n", Abbe number 11" and vertex angle a of the inner wedge (e.g., P made of flint glass, these designations having the same significance as in US. Pat. No. 3,551,029:

In the position illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5a, in which prism faces F8 and F16 are perpendicular to the optical axis 0, the image is magnified in the optically effective plane in a ratio 1.14 l; in that position the inclination of prism surfaces F12 and F20 is such that their surface normals include with the axis 0 an angle of 6.858.

As will be apparent from FIGS. 4, 4a, 5 and 5a, the objective of the preferred embodiment of my invention is essentially symmetrical about a central transverse plane, i.e., the plane of diaphragm D. Thus, lens groups I and II may have the same parameters, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of mass production, the system then having identical front-focal and backfocal lengths. The prismatic components III and IV lie in a field of parallel light rays if the focal planes of lens groups I and II coincide with the actual or (in the modified systems of FIGS. 2 and 3) virtual positions of object and image surfaces 3 and 4.

Representative numerical values for the parameters of such a symmetrical system, in the specific position of FIGS. 5 and 5a, have been given in the following Table in which the radii R1 R7 and R24 R30 as well as the thicknesses and separations d1 1129 (measured along the axis 0) are listed in millimeters; the values appearing next to the designations of the prism surfaces F8 F23 are the angles of inclination as measured between the surface normals and the axis. Also included in the table are the refractive indices n and the Abbe numbers v of all the lenses and prisms. The distance between the primary and secondary focal planes of this system equals 1,263 mm, which is suitable for the reproduction of copies of 210 X 297 mm. The relative aperture of the objective is 1 9.

d, 19.29 Air Space 'said housing being provided with actuating means for 5 6 E; :ilgg-gg d 2 80 1 51742 52 20 L of coincidence of their optically effective planes and a 2: Space a second position in which said planes are mutually perigffiggg d 162041 60 33 L pendicular, adjoining prisms of said pairs converging 3: Space codirectionally in said first position. :3 5570 d 5 50 1 62041 60 33 P 5 8. A reproduction camera comprising: P1014255? 3; 175520 27:58 sphericallly effective front lens means centered on an Fll +l2.214 d 5.50 b62041 60.33 P, OptlCfl 3X18; F12 6 858 Space spherically effective rear lens means coaxial with said 3 590 152041 6033 p front lens means and axially separated therefrom F14 =9.515 d 4.33 1.75520 27.58 P 10 by an air space l5=l9. 72 d =5.2 1.62 41 60. P F 0 z; 10 60Air g ace 33 m an ob ective housing fixedly supporting said front and i 557 d 5 20 1 2041 60 3 P rear lens means therein; F18 5 o $5520 53 a first pair of complementary prisms movably F19 12.214 d 5.30 l. 6204l 60.33 P -mounted in said housing within said air space and F20 6 0 Space provided with first setting means for varying the an- F21 l6.4l5 a, =4.s0 1152041 60.33 p gular position of its prisms relative to said axis;

:i g= :g-?8 {583? gig a second pair of complementary prisms movably d: 9:50 Air Space mounted in said housing within said air space and f 2 3 d 6 40 1 62041 60 3 L provided with second setting means for varying the Space 3 angular position of its prisms relative to said axis, R26 199.50 the optically effective planes of said pairs of prisms R27 H0620 g gg being mutually perpendicular; R28 178.00 coupling means selectively operable to interconnect 3Zffi2-82 g": had-23 23g; k said first and second setting means for orthomorphotically varying the image scale of the objective I claim. constituted by said lens means and prism pairs; and 1 A reproduction camera comprising, frame means fixedly supporting said housing while spherically effective front lens means centered on an z z oblecidslflrfacte g an f s par e rom sai ron an rear ens mea s y optical axis, 30 spherically effective rear lens means coaxial with said 9 rZSpectw; "1? paths of fixed v front lens means and axial! se arated therefrom repro uc camera compflsmgz by an air Space; y p spherically effective front lens means centered on an an ob'ective housin fixed] su ortin said front and optlcal 3X15;

lens means i pp g spherically effective rear lens means coaxial with said J 1 a first pair of complementary prisms movable {)ront lens means and axially separated therefrom mounted in said housing within said air space and y Space} provided with first Setting means for varying the an ob ective housing fixedly supporting said front and gular position of its prisms relative to said axis; a gigt ii r z g z gzig l e gemar prisms movabl a g ss r i i fi 252;figfifi ig zz ggg gg 40 mount d in said housing withir i said air space and provided with second setting means for varying the P I sem'ng meansfor y f F angular position of its prisms relative to sa1d axis; 8" ar posmfm of Prisms relatlve 9 531d 3X15, diaphragm meais in said air space between said pairs 3 2 53; 51:5225; lfgl gfl g fii gxysalig 222 813222223 o prismsan frame means fixedly supporting said housing while Provided f Second Setting means for Varying the f i an object Surface and an image surface angular position of its prism relative to said axis, separated from said front and rear lens means by Said P of Prisms being mounted in Said housing respective ray paths of fixed length. with freedom of relative rotation through 90 about 2. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein at least Said Optical axis, said housing being PI'OVlded with one of said ray paths includes a reflector on said frame actuating means for 50 rotating Said Pairs of Prisms means, between a first position of coincidence of their op- 3. A camera as defined in claim 1, further comprising ic ly e ctive p a es and a second position in illuminating means in said frame means trained upon which said planes are mutually perpendicular, said object surface. joining prisms of said pairs converging codirection- 4. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said object and image surfaces are so spaced from said front and rear lens means as toproduce a field of parallel light forming an object surface and an image surface rays in said air space. separated from said front and rear lens means by 5. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said front respective ray paths of fixed length. and rear lens means are of the same focal length. 10. A camera as defined inclaim 9 wherein said first 6. A camera as defined in claim 5'wherein said front and second setting means are a pair of rings centered and rear lens means are identical collective lens groups. on said optical axis.

7. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said pairs 11. A camera as defined in claim 10 wherein said acof prisms are mounted in said housing with freedom of tuating means comprises a movable portion of said relative rotation through about said optical axis, housing carrying one of said rings.

12. A camera as defined in claim 11, further comprising a diaphragm interposed between said pairs of ally in said first position; and frame means fixedly supporting said housing while so rotating said pairs of prisms between a first position prisms and provided with adjusting means, said movable portion carrying said diaphragm and being provided with a peripheral slot traversed by said adjusting means.

13. A camera as. defined'in claim 11 wherein said movable portion is provided with indexing means for locking same in either of said positions.

14. A camera as defined in claim 1, further comprising coupling means selectively operable to interconnect said first and second setting means for orthomorphotically varying the image scale of the objective constituted by said lens means and prism pairs, the optically effective planes of said pairs of prisms being mutually perpendicular.

15. A camera as defined in claim 8, further comprising diaphragm means in said air space between said pairs of prisms.

16; A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said prisms consist each of two outer wedges and an inner wedge converging in opposite directions, said outer wedges having lower refractive indices and higher dispersion ratios than said inner wedges.

17. A camera as defined in claim 16 wherein said prisms are identical, each outer wedge having a vertex angle of substantially 9.6, said inner wedge having a vertex angle of substantially 6.9.

18. A camera as defined in claim 17 wherein each outer wedge has a refractive index n of substantially 1.62 and a dispersion ratio 11 of substantially 60, said inner wedge having a refractive index n,, of substantially 1.76 and a dispersion ratio 11 of substantially 28. 

1. A reproduction camera comprising: spherically effective front lens means centered on an optical axis; spherically effective rear lens means coaxial with said front lens means and axially separated therefrom by an air space; an objective housing fixedly supporting said front and rear lens means therein; a first pair of complementary prisms movably mounted in said housing within said air space and provided with first setting means for varying the angular position of its prisms relative to said axis; a second pair of complementary prisms movably mounted in said housing within said air space and provided with second setting means for varying the angular position of its prisms relative to said axis; diaphragm means in said air space between said pairs of prisms; and frame means fixedly supporting said housing while forming an object surface and an image surface separated from said front and rear lens means by respective ray paths of fixed length.
 2. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said ray paths includes a reflector on said frame means.
 3. A camera as defined in claim 1, further comprising illuminating means in said frame means trained upon said object surface.
 4. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said object and image surfaces are so spaced from said front and rear lens means as to produce a field of parallel light rays in said air space.
 5. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said front and rear lenS means are of the same focal length.
 6. A camera as defined in claim 5 wherein said front and rear lens means are identical collective lens groups.
 7. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said pairs of prisms are mounted in said housing with freedom of relative rotation through 90* about said optical axis, said housing being provided with actuating means for so rotating said pairs of prisms between a first position of coincidence of their optically effective planes and a second position in which said planes are mutually perpendicular, adjoining prisms of said pairs converging codirectionally in said first position.
 8. A reproduction camera comprising: spherically effective front lens means centered on an optical axis; spherically effective rear lens means coaxial with said front lens means and axially separated therefrom by an air space; an objective housing fixedly supporting said front and rear lens means therein; a first pair of complementary prisms movably mounted in said housing within said air space and provided with first setting means for varying the angular position of its prisms relative to said axis; a second pair of complementary prisms movably mounted in said housing within said air space and provided with second setting means for varying the angular position of its prisms relative to said axis, the optically effective planes of said pairs of prisms being mutually perpendicular; coupling means selectively operable to interconnect said first and second setting means for orthomorphotically varying the image scale of the objective constituted by said lens means and prism pairs; and frame means fixedly supporting said housing while forming an object surface and an image surface separated from said front and rear lens means by respective ray paths of fixed length.
 9. A reproduction camera comprising: spherically effective front lens means centered on an optical axis; spherically effective rear lens means coaxial with said front lens means and axially separated therefrom by an air space; an objective housing fixedly supporting said front and rear lens means therein; a first pair of complementary prisms movably mounted in said housing within said air space and provided with first setting means for varying the angular position of its prisms relative to said axis; a second pair of complementary prisms movably mounted in said housing within said air space and provided with second setting means for varying the angular position of its prism relative to said axis, said pairs of prisms being mounted in said housing with freedom of relative rotation through 90* about said optical axis, said housing being provided with actuating means for so rotating said pairs of prisms between a first position of coincidence of their optically effective planes and a second position in which said planes are mutually perpendicular, adjoining prisms of said pairs converging codirectionally in said first position; and frame means fixedly supporting said housing while forming an object surface and an image surface separated from said front and rear lens means by respective ray paths of fixed length.
 10. A camera as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and second setting means are a pair of rings centered on said optical axis.
 11. A camera as defined in claim 10 wherein said actuating means comprises a movable portion of said housing carrying one of said rings.
 12. A camera as defined in claim 11, further comprising a diaphragm interposed between said pairs of prisms and provided with adjusting means, said movable portion carrying said diaphragm and being provided with a peripheral slot traversed by said adjusting means.
 13. A camera as defined in claim 11 wherein said movable portion is provided with indexing means for locking same in either of said positions.
 14. A camera as defined in claim 1, further comprising coupling means selectively operable to interconnect said firsT and second setting means for orthomorphotically varying the image scale of the objective constituted by said lens means and prism pairs, the optically effective planes of said pairs of prisms being mutually perpendicular.
 15. A camera as defined in claim 8, further comprising diaphragm means in said air space between said pairs of prisms.
 16. A camera as defined in claim 1 wherein said prisms consist each of two outer wedges and an inner wedge converging in opposite directions, said outer wedges having lower refractive indices and higher dispersion ratios than said inner wedges.
 17. A camera as defined in claim 16 wherein said prisms are identical, each outer wedge having a vertex angle of substantially 9.6*, said inner wedge having a vertex angle of substantially 6.9* .
 18. A camera as defined in claim 17 wherein each outer wedge has a refractive index nd of substantially 1.62 and a dispersion ratio Nu of substantially 60, said inner wedge having a refractive index nd of substantially 1.76 and a dispersion ratio Nu of substantially
 28. 